Jon Wilner's NCAA Tournament picks for Thursday's Sweet 16 games

No. 1 Syracuse over No. 4 Wisconsin: The Orange was fortunate to survive UNC-Asheville in the second round, then looked the part of a top seed in dispatching Kansas State over the weekend. Wisconsin presents numerous problems with its pace (methodical), defense (rugged) and style (physical). If guard Jordan Taylor and the Badgers shoot well from the perimeter against Syracuse's long-armed zone, this will go down to the wire. (CBS, 4:15 p.m.)

No. 2 Ohio State over No. 6 Cincinnati: The Buckeye State rivals collided in the 1961-62 NCAA title games but have met only one time since (in 2006). Cincinnati's four-guard attack will attempt to disrupt the Buckeyes' rhythm and prevent them from maximizing their advantage with big man Jared Sullinger. But for OSU to reach the regional finals after back-to-back losses in the Sweet 16, Sullinger will need help from wing William Buford and forward DeShaun Thomas. (CBS, 6:45 p.m.)

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No. 1 Michigan State over No. 4 Louisville: Two of the game's old masters collide with MSU's Tom Izzo facing Louisville's Rick Pitino — they've combined to two NCAA titles and 11 Final Four appearances -- in an intriguing clash of styles. Led by dynamic all-around player Draymond Green, Michigan State prefers to grind. The sizzling Cardinals, who won the Big East tournament, like the tempo frenetic. In the end, the Spartans will impose their will. (TBS, 4:47 p.m.)

No. 3 Marquette over No. 7 Florida: Even without a No. 1 seed or marquee team, this shapes up as the game of the day: Two highly-skilled teams that like to play fast and shoot 3 pointers. Florida has dominated its two tournament opponents while Marquette struggled to outlast Murray State. The best player on the floor will be Marquette's Jae Crowder, but pay particular attention to the perimeter matchup between Darius Johnson-Odom and Florida's Kenny Boynton. (TBS, 7:17 p.m.)